Railway switch operating mechanism



Jan. 19, 1932.

1.. F. HOWARD 1,841,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 23, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet lCIR 22 /7 u 36' l D M )8 H g V W ll 1 A u O 0 E1 0 10 o I o A Fzgi 2 2IT I "n I] l l l f 1-! u i ,7 INVENTOR: L.F Howara Jan. 19, 1932. F.HOWARD 7 1,341,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 25, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2ATTORNEY Jan; 19, 1932. HOWARD 1,841,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 23, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 3\NVENTOR'. ,L .F. How rd,

N 1 :XTTORNEY Patented Jan. 19, 1932 om'rso STATES PATENT OFFICE LEMUELF. HOWARD, OF EDGE-WOOD BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE UNEOHSWITCH 8: SIGNAL COMPANY, OF SWISSVALE, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPO- RATION OFPENNSYLVANIA RAILWAY SVJITCH GIEBATING- MECHANISM Application filed June23,

lily invention relates to railway switch operating mechanisms, andparticularly to mechanisms of the electro-pneumatic type for moving andlocking the switch rails.

i will describe two forms of mechanism embodying my invention, and willthen point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view showing one form ofswitch operating and locking mechanism embodying my invention. Fig. 2 isa diagrammatic view showing one arrangement of controlling circuitswhich may be used in connection with the mechanism illustrated in Fig.1, which circuits also embody my invention. Fig. 3 is a view similar toFig. 1. but showing a modification of a portion of the mechanismillustrated therein and also embodying my invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of theseveral views.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2', the reference character A designatesa railway switch comprising the usual switch rails 1 and 1 cooperatingwith stock rails 2 and 2*. respectively. The switch rails are moved totheir normal position wherein they are shown in the drawings, by afluidpressure motor. M comprising a cylinder 6 containing a piston 7.The piston 7 is connected with an operating rod 8, which in turn isfixed to a bridle rod 9 connecting the two switchrails 1 and 1 Theswitch rails 1 and 1 are moved to their reverse positions by a similarfluid pressure motor h p The switch rails 1 and 1 are locked by a normallock L comprising a plunger 25 biased by a spring 26 to enter a hole ina lock rod l which rod in. turn is attached to a front rod 10 connectingthe two switch rails. The plunger 25 may be withdrawn from the hole inthe lock rod Q by means of a fluid pressure motorcomprising a cylinderwithin which the spring 26 operates, and a piston located in thiscylinder and connected with the plunger 25. The switch rails are lockedin their reverse positions by a similar looking device comprising a lockrod Q and a fluid pressure unlocking motor L The switch is also providedwith indicating 1930. Serial No. 463,026.

apparatus comprising a circuit controller B and a circuit controller BReferring particularly to circuit controller B this device comprises amember 13 operatively connected with the switch rails by a rod'll andarranged to slide to the left or the right. as viewed in Fig. 2,according as the switch rails are in their normal or their reversepositions. lVhen the switch rails are in their normal positions, themember 13 is in position to co-act with two pairs of contacts 16, 17 andlit. 15. The contacts 16 and 17 are fixed, but the contacts 14 and areconnected with the plunger of the normal lock L so that these contactsare in positions to engage with the member 13 when and only when theswitch is locked in its normal position. This circuit controller alsoinvolves a contact 12 which is open when the switch is locked and closedwhen the switch is unlocked.

The reverse indication circuit controller B is similar tothe normalcircuit controller in all respects and need not be explained in detailherein. 7 e

The normal switch operating motor M and the reverse unlocking motor Lare both controlled by a magnet valve U in such manner that when thisvalve is deenergized, both motors are disconnected from the source offluid pressure, whereas when the magnet valve C is energized, fluidpressure from a source 22 is admit-tedto both of the motors to unlockthe reverse loclr and to move the switch rails to their normalpositions. The reverse switch operating motor M and the normal unlockingmotor L are controlled by a second magnet valve G in similar manner.

Referring now specifically to Fig. 2, the switch operating mechanism iscontrolled by a polarized relay P, which in turn is sup plied wit-hcurrent of normal or reverse polarity from a battery 18 through themedium of a pole-changer D, which will usually be controlled by amanual. lever in an interlocking machine. As shown in Fig. 2, relay P isenergized with current of what I will term normal polarity, the switch Ais in its normal position, and all other parts of the apparatus are inthe conditions corresponding to these positions of the relay and switch.If the operator desires to reverse the switch, he will reverse theposition of the polechanger D, thereby reversing the polarity of thecurrent supplied to relay P, so that the polar contact 21 of this relaywill swing to the left. Current will then flow from battery 18, throughwire 19, contact 21-21 of relay P, contact 12 associated with thereverse locking device, winding of magnet valve C, and line wire 20 tobattery 18. Contact l2 'is closed because the reverse lock plunger 25 isin its retracted position, and so magnet valve C will become energized.This will cause air to be admitted to the reverse switch operating motorM and to the normal unlocking motor L thereby withdrawing plunger 25 ofthe normal lock to unlock the switch, and also shifting the switch railsto their reverse positions. WVhen the switch reaches its reverseposition, plunger 25 of the reverse lock L will enter the hole 27 in thereverse lock rod 1, thereby locking the switch in its reverse position.

This will cause contact 12 to open, thereby deenergizing magnet valve Cto disconnect motors M and L from the source of pressure. Contact 12will then be closed because plunger 25 of the normal lock L will be inits retracted position, so that when relay P again becomes energized inthe normal direction magnet valve C will become energized through acircuit which includes contact 2121 of relay P and contact 12.

r The switch will then be returned to its normal position in a mannerwhich will be understood from the foregoing without detailedexplanation.

Associated with the switch A is an indicatin device E, which, as hereshown, is a polarized relay. \Vhen the switch is in the normal position,this relay is energized by a circuit which passes from battery 18through line wire 19, contact 15-43-17 of indication device B, windingof relay E,

contact 16-1314, and line wire 20 to battery 18. Relay E is thensupplied with current of what I will term normal polarity. W'hen theswitch is moved to the reverse position, contact member 13 of indicationdevice B will shift to the right, so that it will then be out ofregister with cont-act members 14 and 15, and, furthermore, thesecontact members will be raised by the contact arm 12", so that for thesetwo reasons the circuit justtraced for relay E will become open. At thesame time, member 13 of the 7 reverse indication device B will beshifted for relay E will be closed, which circuit passes from battery18, through line wire 19, contact 14e-1316 of circuit controller B,winding of relay E, contact 171315 of circuit controller B and line wire20 to bating because it forms no part of my present I invention.

It will be seen from the foregoing, that when the switch A is in itsnormal position, as illustrated in the drawings, if a train should trailthrough the switch in such manner as to force the rail 1 away from thestock rail 2, the normal lock L would probably be laterally shifted onits foundation, but the displacement of lock rod 11 would open thecontacts of the indication circuit controller B and thereby deenergizerelay E.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the mechanism shown in this view is the same asthat shown in Fig. 1, except for the following differences. In Fig. 3,the two fluid pressure switch operating motors M and M are locatedbetween the switch rails instead of on the outsides of these rails as inFig. 1. Furthermore, the supply of fluid pressure to each of the switchoperating motors is taken through the associated unlocking motor in suchmanner that when magnet valve C, for example, becomes energized, fluidpressure from the source 22 will first flow into the unlocking motor L",and then when this motor has operated to unlock the switch, the fluidpressure will flow from the cylinder of the motor L through pipe 23 t0the reverse switch opcrating motor M. The reason for this arrangement offluid pressure supply, is to insure that the switch shall be unlockedbefore the operating motor becomes effective to move the switch. Thesupply of fluid pressure to the normal operating motor M and the reverseunlocking motor L is controlled by magnet valve O in a similar manner.The circuits for the control of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3 may be thesame as those shown in Fig. 2.

Although I have herein shown and described only two forms of mechanismembodying my invention, it is understood that various changes andmodifications may be made therein within the scope of the appendedclaims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positionsrespectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a firstmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thenormal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a secondmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thereverse switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, and meansfor preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lockcontrolled by the other valve is in unlocked position.

2. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positionsrespectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, a firstmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thenormal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a secondmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thereveres switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, a contactoperated by each lock and open or closed according as the lock is inlooking or unlocking position, and a circuit for each magnet valveincluding the contact associated with the lock controlled by the othervalve.

3. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse po sitionsrespectively, anormal and a reverse lock each biasec to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a firstmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thenormal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a secondmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thereverse switch operating motor and the normal unloc ing motor, means forpreventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lockcontrolled by the valve is in unlocked position, ano indicatingapparatus controlled jointly by the switch rails and said locks.

Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motorsfor moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, anormal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlockingfluid pressure motor for each lock, a first magnet valve arranged whenenergized to admit fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motorand the reverse unlocking motor, second magnet valve arranged whenenergized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motorand the normal unlocking motor, means for preventing either magnet valvefrom being energized unless the lock controlled by the valve is inunlocked position; a normal circuit controller comprising a memberoperated by the switch rails and a member operated by said normal lockand requiring that the rails be locked in normal position in ordertoclose the'circuit controller, a reverse circuit controller comprisinga member operated by the switch rails and a member operatediby saidreverse lock and requiring that the rails be locked in reverse positionin order to close the circuit controller, and indicating apparatus forthe switch controlled by said circuit controllers.

,5. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positionsrespectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, a firstmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit; fluid pressure tothenormal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a secondmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, means forpreventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lockcontrolled by the valve is in unlocked position, a normal circuitcontroller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a memberoperated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be. locked innormal position in order to close the circuit controller, a reversecircuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails anda member operated by said reverse lock and requiring that the rails belocked in reverse position inorder to close the circuit controller, apolarized indication relay, and means for supplying said relay withcurrent of normal or reverse polarity according as said normal or saidreverse circuit controller is closed.

6. In combination with a railway switch, a normal and a reverse lock forlocking the switch in normal and reverse positions and each biased tolocking position, power means for releasing each lock, a normal circuitcontroller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a memberoperated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be locked 'innormal position in order to close the circuit controller. a reversecircuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails anda member operated by said reverse lock and requiring that the rails belocked in reverse position in order to close the circuit controller, andindicating apparatus for the switch controlled by said circuitcontrollers,

7. In combination with a railway switch, a normal and a reverse lock forlocking the switch in normal and reverse positions and each biased tolocking position, power means for releasing each lock, normal circuitcontroller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a memberoperated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be locked innormal position in order to close the circuit controller, a reversecircuit controller comprising a member operated by 'fnn lied a is.)

the switch rails and a member operated by said reverse lock andrequiring that the rails be locked in reverse position in order to closethe circuit controller, a polarized indication 5 relay, and means forsupplying said relay with current of normal or reverse polarityaccording as said normal or said reverse circuit controller is closed.

8. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positionsrespectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a firstmagnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to thereverse unlocking motor, means eflective upon operation of the reverseunlocking motor to supply fluid pressure to the normal switch operatingmotor,

a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid ressure tothe normal unlocking motor, and means efl'ective upon the operation ofthe normal. unlocking motor to admit fluid pressure to the reverseswitch operating motor.

9. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressuremotors for moving the switch to normal and reverse po sitionsrespectively, a normal and a reverse v9 lock each biased to lockingposition, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock,

a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure tothe reverse unlocking motor, means effective upon operation of thereverse unlocking motor to supply fluid pressure to the normal switchoperating motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admitfluid pressure to the normal unlocking motor, means effective upon 40the operation of the normal unlocking motor to admit fluid pressure tothe reverse switch operating motor, and means for preventing eithermagnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by theother valve is in unlocking position.

10. Railway switch 0 )erating mechanism comprising a normal and areverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluidpressure motor for each lock, fluid pressure operating means for theswitch, a first magnet valve and a second magnet valve, means effectivewhen the first magnet valve is energized to operate the reverseunlocking mo tor and to supply fluid pressure to said operating means tomove the switch to its normal position, and means effective when thesecond magnet valve is energized to operate said nor mal unlocking motorand to supply fluid pressure to said operating means to move the switchto its reverse position.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

LEMUEL F. HOWARD.

